self wedding decoration: January 2011

Monday, 31 January 2011

Design Inspiration: Outdoor Spaces

Since Spring is approaching and I am dying to get outside, I thought we’d head outdoors today…virtually speaking, of course.

…always love a gravel courtyard…

image via Velvet and Linen

…really want this neat little patch of grass to mow…

image via Two Ellie

…really? amazing…

image via Studio G

…this space really appeals to me because my house is grey wood with white trim…perfect for a cookout with plenty of seating for friends…

image via Studio G

…amazing lighting and a perfect go-barefoot lawn…

image via Quintessentially B

…always drawn to a pop of color against a white background and a perfectly trimmed hedge…

image via Lane Dittoe

…love this driveway…and look what’s in back…

…a perfectly private place to take a dip…

image via Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles and Heidi Claire

…adore the way the greens pop against the horizontal dark-stained fence…

image via Studio G

…not a feasible look in Central Texas, but I love it nonetheless…

image via Cote de Texas

…oh, my…look at the detail and foliage on the front of this house…and the motor court…love…

image via Heidi Claire

…so interesting…

image via Studio G

…great fire pit…love the drum light (?)…or is that to catch the smoke? I think this photo is from Alys Beach…

…such a soothing color palette…one of my favorites…

image via Veranda

…someday I will have this yard…everything in it’s place…

image via Studio G

…the coolest driveway…

image via The Designers’ Co-Op

…this turquoise blue always reminds me of France and Santa Fe…

image via Martha Stewart

…I’m drawn to smaller spaces…love the picket fence and the courtyard being right on the street…can imagine neighbors waving as they walk by…

image via Cote De Texas

…the perfect pool…

image via Milk and Honey Home

…even adults would be giddy over this tree house…

image via Studio G

…look closely at the flooring here…smooth rocks laid in a pattern…beautiful horizontal fence…and another favorite of mine…steel doors…

image via Studio G

…anyone know where this house is? I want it…

image via Tiny White Daisies

…garden shed? artist studio? guest cottage? We all need one…

image via It’s Mary Ruffle

…sweet and beautiful…

image via Veranda

…love the fence and the colorful pillows…such a happy space…

image via Gingerella

I have a dilemma every spring. I can’t wait to get outside and begin working in the yard. I look at these photos for inspiration, but they only confuse me! I love them all. I love the relaxed atmosphere of the gardens with gravel underfoot, casual furnishings and colorful accents. I love the formality of the gardens with definite borders and plants in straight lines. I love the modern aesthetic of the gardens with plenty of hardscape, chic lighting and neatly manicured patches of grass. Anyone else experience the Spring Frustration Blues?

What’s your preference in garden design?

Friday, 28 January 2011

Which Bouquet?

Changing it up a bit today…

The Bridesmaid’s Dress

…the Pangaea Silk Dress from Anthropologie…spiral topped mesh with a silk bodice…

The Bouquets…

Bouquet #1

image via DIRT

Bouquet #2

image via Floral Verde

Bouquet #3

image via Ruffled

Which would you choose?

Last week, this bouquet won…

…for this dress…

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and I’ll meet you back here on Monday with more flowers!

Note: Be sure to check out ‘Which Bouquet?’ next week…it’s going to be fun…another ‘real’ bride needs our help!

Thursday, 27 January 2011

Charming Cakes

Many of these cakes have beautiful fresh flowers on them…others are sans fresh flowers. I love both looks and can’t help but share the ‘flowerless’ cakes as well as the ‘flowered’ ones…

image via Florali